3 Days to the Merzouga Desert from Marrakech

This 3-day trip takes you to the Merzouga desert from Marrakech, with a camel ride into the dunes and a night in a Berber tent. On the way, you also visit the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the film studios of Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges. So it is a short but complete first taste of the Sahara.

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges

We leave Marrakech for an unforgettable journey across the amazing landscapes of the High Atlas. First, we cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres. Halfway, we reach the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. UNESCO has listed this fortified village since 1987. Films and series such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Alexander were shot here.

Then, in Ouarzazate, we see the Taourirt kasbah, the former home of one of the most powerful governors of the region. After that, we follow the road of the thousand kasbahs to Skoura and through the Valley of Roses. Finally, we reach the Dades Gorges, where we spend the night (sometimes in Skoura instead).

Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga dunes

After breakfast, we continue through the Dades Valley to the incredible Todra Gorges. Then we drive towards Merzouga through the Jorf palm grove, home of the best dates. We have lunch before Erfoud, a small town known for its fossils. In Merzouga, we leave the vehicle and ride camels into the desert for about an hour and a half. At the camp, you enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner and spend the night in the beautiful landscape of Erg Chebbi.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

We recommend getting up early so you do not miss the sunrise over Erg Chebbi. Then you ride back to the hotel for a shower and breakfast. Depending on the camp, you may have them before the camel ride instead. Afterwards, we pass the Tafilalet palm grove and Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. Next, we reach Alnif and cross the beautiful mountains of the Anti Atlas.

Later, we drive through Tazarine, N’Kob and the Draa Valley, with its extraordinary palm grove. Then we have lunch in Ouarzazate. Finally, we arrive in Marrakech at around 6 pm, at the end of your trip to the Merzouga desert from Marrakech.

Merzouga desert from Marrakech: practical information

The “3 Days to the Merzouga Desert from Marrakech” itinerary is a private tour, so you travel only with your own group, driver and vehicle. In addition, you choose the start date, and we adapt the hotels and the pace to your budget. To book it, send us your request or write to us on WhatsApp, and we will reply within 24 hours. Before you decide, you can also read our reviews on Tripadvisor or see more Sahara desert tours.

If this itinerary is not to your liking, please contact us and we will adapt it to suit you.